What not many people realise is that mental health disorders are fairly common. Most cases go undiagnosed by a professional. Depression is most likely to hit anyone, whether mild, or extreme. If you find yourself feeling blue for a prolonged period, you are not alone. Lots of different factors contribute to how you have been feeling. It could be due to stress, or poor health, recent loss or trauma, or any sudden changes in your life. It could be more than one of these factors but it all goes down to what goes on WITHIN your body. You don’t need to resort to pharmaceuticals just to try to improve your mood. There are herbal medicines – NATURAL medicines – that can help improve your mental health, and your overall well-being. Positive habits have a great impact too.

If left untreated, depression could get out of control. When you are depressed, your brain and parts of your body become inflamed. Yes, the same kind of inflammation that happens when you bump your knee or sprain an ankle. Therefore, it is best that these inflammations are treated the soonest.

When you are greeted with a “How are you?”, do you usually answer with something along the lines with “down, as always”? It doesn’t have to be that way. It is time to change your “normal” into a state where you are energetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

What natural methods could help you with your depression, you say?

1. Two herbs that has been proven to be effective in helping treat depression are Turmeric, and Saffron.
   • Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antidepressant. Its active component is curcumin, which promotes healthier brain function.
   • Saffron, which is considered the most expensive spice all over the world, is not only useful as a natural yellow dye and delicate perfume, but it is also effective in managing depression through its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Physical activities improve brain functions too and decrease cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that when its levels are increased, it causes agitation, sugar cravings, and insomnia. But if lowered too much, it could cause inability to handle stress, and consequently, extreme fatigue, mood swings, and low libido. When the body performs physical activities such as swimming, walking, running, cycling, and other forms of exercise, it causes the body to release other hormones that balances out the levels of cortisol.
3. It could further be improved when exercising is done with a group, as this will involve socialising. Joining a sports team, or a group workout could help one’s mental well-being brought about social connection and building relationships.

With the support of a registered Naturopath, mental health can be greatly improved through a plan that is designed only for you by improving your lifestyle, diet, and stress management.